Living in a home should be a breath of fresh air, but what if that air is silently threatening your health? Radon gas, a colorless, odorless carcinogen, can seep into your home through cracks and foundations. Long-term exposure can lead to serious health risks. The good news? You can’t prevent radon, but you can detect it. Radon detectors offer peace of mind and the knowledge you need to take action. Before you buy one, consider these key factors:
- Type of Detector: Choose between active and passive radon detectors for optimal detection. Opt for active radon devices that offer continuous monitoring for real-time updates on radon levels, while passive detectors offer a more budget-friendly option, suitable for both short- and long-term monitoring needs.
- Alarm System: Look for detectors equipped with alarm systems to alert you when radon levels exceed safe/acceptable limits. Opt for models with audio or visual alerts to ensure everyone in the household is promptly informed, especially those with impaired hearing.
- Power Source: Choose battery-operated detectors for portability to monitor radon levels in various locations, while corded electric detectors for continuous monitoring in a fixed location. Choose the power source that aligns with your monitoring needs and preferences.
Read our review to find the best radon detector for your home, and breathe easy again! Our comprehensive buying guide will help you make an informed decision.
Best Radon Detectors Table
| Best Radon Detector | Type of Detector | Alarm System | Accuracy | Power Source | Buy Now |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Airthings Radon Detector | Active | Audible, Visual | 5% | Battery | Check On Amazon |
| Airthings 2930 Radon Detector | Active | Visual | 10% | Battery | Check On Amazon |
| InkBird Radon Detector | Passive | - | 10% | Battery | Check On Amazon |
| Ecosense Radon Detector | Active | Audible | 10% | Corded Electric | Check On Amazon |
| SafetySiren Pro4 Radon Detector | Active | Audible, Visual | - | Corded Electric | Check On Amazon |
| Elifecity Radon Detector | Active | Visual | 5% | Battery | Check On Amazon |
Best Radon Detectors Reviews
1. Airthings Radon Detector
When it comes to ensuring the safety of our homes, checking the airborne threats using a radon detector can be a great step. Airthings is the name of one such brand that works with the only agenda of empowering families to become better by breathing better. This brand’s high-quality home Radon device ensures five times better air inside your home. This small and highly powerful machine works exceptionally well in detecting radon gas.
As radon gas is present around us, but the level keeps fluctuating, there is a need for these detectors to be able to monitor continuously. This high-quality device provides an indication in the first 24 hours and gets even more accurate with time. The accuracy improves the more it is used. This device can offer 5% of the real radon level within two months.
Integrated with a state of the art technology by the use of a testing sensor, you will be able to get meaningful results. It is a simple battery-operated device that can be placed anywhere. Once you have installed the battery, this Radon detector can be tested for the next two years. It requires 3 AAA Batteries to work. Offering both audio and visual alarms by this device helps to get information about the radon level.
The on-screen readings help you to check the reports quickly whenever you require. It provides both short-term and long-term readings to overview the levels quickly. This is a portable device that offers continuous monitoring. The company offers five years of an extended warranty if required so that you can safely breathe in your home.
Features:
- Requires 3 AAA batteries to power this device.
- It weighs only 0.22 pounds.
- The upper temperature and lower temperature rating is 104° and 39°F.
- You can get both audio and visual alarms.
- On-screen reading of both short and long-term reports.
- Offers 5% actual radon level within two months of installation.
- State of the art sensor for actual radon testing.
- A portable device.
Pros:
- Easy to use.
- Overall it is a good product.
- Very easy to find the readings.
Cons:
- Not sure about the reading accuracy.
2. Airthings 2930 Radon Detector
As we spend almost 90% of our time indoors, it is often a need to ensure the quality of air inside our homes. While we take every single action to make sure of safety and security, a radon detector can be an additional advantage. Airthings is a known brand working to provide users with high-quality devices to breathe better. This essential home technology ensures fresh air for professionals, businesses, and homeowners.
It is a tiny battery-operated machine that can continuously monitor air. The machine has been designed with 6 sensors so that this device has multipurpose functionality. It can sense humidity, temperature, CO2, VOCs, air pressure, and humidity. Using this device continuously ensures indoor air quality and prevents illness.
The availability of the app and its online dashboard will help you to know and get notified about every tiny change in the internal air pressure. It can be installed on both Android and iOS devices. You can get local and live data from the app. Tracking the pollen levels will also optimize indoor air quality. It is also compatible with other devices like Alexa and Google Assistant for easy voice control.
This device requires 2 AA batteries which would help you to take this device everywhere easily. The device visually provides color-coded indications to inform you about the interior air quality. It is mainly indicated in green, which means good; yellow means fair and red means poor air quality. Apart from this, if you wish you can also improve and extend the warranty.
Features:
- The device needs 2 AA batteries to run.
- Provides accurate radon measures.
- Helps you to find six vital factors: Carbon dioxide, radon, VOCs, air pressure, temperature, and humidity.
- It can be connected with Bluetooth.
- Visual indicators where red means poor, yellow means fair, and red means poor.
- Measurement accuracy is 10 % after 7 days.
- It also works with Google Assistance and Amazon Alexa.
- The manufacturer offers 5 years of extended warranty.
Pros:
- Check the air quality.
- Very easy to use.
- Setting up is simple.
- Provides a peace of mind.
Cons:
- Not sure about the accuracy.
3. InkBird Radon Detector
A brand that makes sure to provide high-quality devices and ensures the inside air quality is certainly a great choice. InkBird is a name of a brand that provides a permanent solution. The high-quality Radon gas detector offered by this brand ensures peace of mind. Keeping in mind the need for safety, this brand has continuously provided high-quality family safety products.
INKBIRD Home Radon Detector (INK-RD1-B) is a modern and portable solution for monitoring indoor radon levels, a critical factor linked to lung cancer. With three averages displayed on the screen, including the long-time average (up to 1 year), last-day average (updated hourly), and last 7-day average, this detector offers comprehensive insights into radon levels. Operating on 3 AAA batteries (included), it provides a continuous monitoring service for up to 2 years with low power consumption.
The visible low battery prompt ensures timely replacements, and flexible placement options, either on a flat surface with its foldable stand or wall-mounted through the built-in hole, make it suitable for various indoor spaces. It is advised to place the detector 50 cm from the ground and at least 150 cm from windows, doors, or vents for accurate measurements.
Features:
- Integrated with home testing kits.
- Displays both short and long-term levels.
- The US EPA evaluated the product.
- Audible alarm systems.
- Designed with a functional menu button.
- The manufacturer offers 1 year of warranty.
- Provides hourly updates.
Pros:
- Easy to use.
- Tests are fairly simple.
- Low radon levels seem accurate.
- Ensures peace of mind.
Cons:
- Some users were not happy with the readings.
4. Ecosense Radon Detector
Ecosense is one of the top brands offering high-quality products to ensure safety. This particular product has been designed to fast detect and monitor invisible gasses. It is easy to set up and offers real-time reading. The devices do the very first reading within 10 minutes. It has an easy plug-and-play functionality that allows the device to be used everywhere.
This device provides proper performance by using patented radon detection technology. It delivers high-quality results through the use of technology. The sensitivity of this device is 30 counts every hour. It has been designed for you to monitor indoor levels easily and how it can impact breathing.
It allows you to track radon levels and then save the data for up to a year. You can later analyze the levels over long and short-term periods and then make a good decision. It requires a corded electric power source and has simple plug-and-play functionality. The audible alarm system helps you to understand when the levels are higher.
The best part about this device is that it comes with an application that can be downloaded on your smartphone. It is compatible with both Android and iOS devices. The real-time results can also be checked on the OLED screen provided in the device itself. The manufacturer also offers 12 months of limited warranty and customer support through email.
Features:
- Runs on corded electricity.
- Simple plug-and-play electrical device.
- Continuous long-term monitoring.
- Ability to save 1 year of data in the device.
- Audible alarms, when exceeded the EPA recommended levels.
- The real-time display on the OLED screen.
- It can be easily connected to iOS and Android smartphones.
- 1 year of the limited warranty and customer service support through email.
Pros:
- Simple to use.
- Accurate radon tracking.
- A great device for your home.
- The device works on apps.
Cons:
- The app works only through a small distance.
5. SafetySiren Pro4 Radon Detector
Safety Siren is one of the popular names that is continuously known for offering great quality devices for home safety. This brand has been working for more than 25 years and manufacturing high-quality products for home safety. This fourth-generation radon detector has been manufactured especially for homes to help them continuously detect air quality.
This fourth-generation device has been specially designed, manufactured, and engineered in the US. It offers both long-term and short-term radon levels with easy-to-read display settings. Keeping in mind the need for a proper alarm system, the manufacturer has designed three audible alarm modes. It runs on corded electricity and hence is a simple plug-and-play device that can be used everywhere.
Apart from the three audible alarm systems that you can choose from, it also includes a visual alarm. It has been specially designed for hearing-impaired people. The backlight mode has been provided for a seamless viewing experience through the digital display. As it performs self-tests 24 hours every day, you can stay assured about the air quality inside your home.
Features:
- Premium quality products designed, manufactured, and engineered in the US
- Provide continuous monitoring of long-term and short-term levels
- Designed with an easy-to-read display
- Three audible modes of alarm to let you know when the levels are higher.
- Visual alarms for people who have a hearing impairment.
- Designed with a backlight mode for simple viewing of the display.
- The device goes through a self-test every 24 hours.
- It has a rating of 104°F and 41°F for upper and lower temperature ratings.
- Design with both the visual and audible alarm system.
Pros:
- Very easy to use.
- Works great.
- Peace of mind as it does not require batteries.
- Works as it is advertised.
Cons:
- Not sure about the accuracy levels.
6. Elifecity Radon Detector
If you want to remain guaranteed about the detector, you need a reliable brand. Something reliable and reputed as Elifecity is an excellent choice. The high-quality instrument manufactured by this brand is known for its state-of-the-art ability. It is a combination of performance and easy usage. This high-quality device helps you to get proper readings on the levels.
The availability of LCD screen displays makes it easy for you to get average weekly, daily, and long time readings. The device requires a rechargeable battery to work. The measurement you find on the monitor from one room to another makes it easy for you to understand the concentration at home. As it fluctuates daily, this quality device can be beneficial for finding accurate measurements.
The on-screen display makes it easier to get everything the information from short-term average to low battery level. Designed with 3 radon level fluctuations and needs 2 batteries to power the device. It uses an alpha spectrometry detection method. The accuracy of the device is 5% ± 0.14 pCi/L.
Features:
- It offers weekly and daily reports.
- Utilizes Alpha spectrometry detection process.
- Needs 2 rechargeable batteries to power the device.
- The device’s accuracy is 5% ± 0.14 pCi/L.
- Offers a visual alarm system.
- Easy use and great performance of the device.
Pros:
- Good quality product
- Gives reading every 24 hours.
- Works pretty well.
Cons:
- No warranty information was provided by the manufacturer.
- Accuracy is not precise.
Also check:
Buying Guide for the Best Radon Detectors
Investing in a reliable radon detector is the first step toward ensuring a safe indoor environment. In this guide, we’ll discuss key factors to consider when selecting the best radon detector for your needs.
1. Accuracy and Sensitivity
The accuracy and sensitivity of a radon detector are paramount.
Look for devices that have undergone proficiency testing, preferably with accuracy and precision in measuring radon levels of less than or equal to 20.0%, as recommended by the US Environmental Protection Agency. Ensure that the precision error of the device is within acceptable limits for reliable measurements.
Additionally, consider the sensitivity of the detector, especially if you live in areas known for high radon concentrations or if you require precise measurements for specific applications.
2. Detection Method
Radon detectors employ various detection methods, including passive and active technologies. Choose a detection method that aligns with your monitoring needs and budget.
- Passive detectors (such as alpha track detectors and charcoal canisters) are cost-effective and operate on batteries for monitoring. They are suitable for long-term monitoring.
- Active detectors (such as electronic continuous monitors) offer real-time measurements and are suitable for beginners. They require power for operation and provide immediate feedback on radon levels (hourly readings).
3. Power Source
Since every device requires a good power source, the same applies to the detector, making it essential to consider the power source. While most detectors use batteries, some may require corded electricity with simple plug-and-play functionality. Understanding the power source in advance can simplify usage and decision-making.
4. Alarm System
Check the alarm system of the detectors carefully. These devices continuously or hourly measure radon levels in your home and turn on an alarm if the measurement exceeds recommended parameters. Verify the type of alarm included—some offer audio alerts, while others provide visual indicators. Some models even feature both audio and visual alarms for added safety.
5. Measurement Duration
Consider the required measurement duration based on your monitoring objectives. Short-term detectors are ideal for initial screening and identifying potential radon hotspots, typically providing results within a few days to a few weeks. Long-term detectors offer a more comprehensive assessment of radon levels over several months, providing a more accurate picture of average radon concentrations.
6. Certification and Compliance
Look for radon detectors that meet relevant industry standards and regulatory requirements. Certification from organizations such as the National Radon Proficiency Program (NRPP) or the National Radon Safety Board (NRSB) assures quality and reliability. Verify that the detector complies with local regulations and guidelines for radon measurement and mitigation.
Radon Detectors FAQs
Yes, most detectors on the market undergo rigorous testing for accuracy. The brands mentioned here are reputable for providing high-quality, reliable products. However, it’s essential to verify the accuracy level before selecting a detector.
Radon detectors come in several types, including charcoal liquid scintillation detectors, charcoal canisters, and alpha track detectors. Performance varies depending on the brand and technology used.
Radon levels are measured in picocuries per liter (PCI/L). The average indoor radon level is around 1.3 PCI/L, while outdoor levels are typically lower, around 0.4 PCI/L. Action is recommended to reduce indoor levels if they exceed 4.0 PCI/L, according to the EPA.
No, radon is odorless and tasteless, making it potentially harmful as it cannot be detected by smell or taste. It is a colorless, odorless, and radioactive gas that poses health risks when present in high concentrations.
It’s recommended to test for radon every two years, or more frequently if you’ve made structural changes to your home or if you’ve experienced flooding in your basement or lower levels. Testing during different seasons can also provide a more comprehensive understanding of radon levels in your home.
Yes, radon detectors can be used in various types of buildings, including homes, schools, offices, and commercial properties. It’s essential to choose a detector suitable for the specific environment and to follow manufacturer guidelines for placement and usage.
If radon levels in your home are higher than the recommended threshold, there are several measures you can take to reduce them. These include sealing cracks in floors and walls, improving ventilation, installing a radon mitigation system such as a vent pipe and fan, and consulting with a professional radon mitigation contractor for tailored solutions.
Conclusion
We hope you found our reviews helpful. Want us to filter the top picks for easy decision-making? Here’s what you should buy.
The Airthings Radon Detector prioritizes accuracy and user-friendliness, while the InkBird Radon Detector is a budget-friendly choice. For those seeking comprehensive features and reliability, the SafetySiren Pro4 Radon Detector is a strong contender.
Regardless of your selection, using a radon detector empowers you to take control of your home’s environment and potentially mitigate health risks associated with radon exposure.
